Rosario-led TNT snaps Alaska’s winning streak

MANILA, Philippines – Led by a hot-shooting and efficient performance from second-year star Troy Rosario, TNT KaTropa snapped the Alaska Aces’ 3-game winning streak with a final score of 109-100 on Friday, December 23, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Rosario went 8-of-13 from the field, including 6-of-9 from downtown, to finish with 26 points plus 7 rebounds. Jayson Castro and Larry Fonacier each added 16 points off the bench as TNT won its second straight and moved into a tie with Blackwater at 4-2 for the second spot in the Philippine Cup standings.

Alaska, which fell to an even 3-3, was led by the 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists of Calvin Abueva. Vic Manuel accounted for 16 points and 3 boards off the bench.

TNT raced off to a 9-point lead after the first quarter and extended that lead to 16 at halftime before letting the Aces crawl their way back in the third period. 

However, an 8-2 run by TNT to open the fourth quarter put KaTropa on the driver seat, and they cruised the rest of the way.

TNT shot 45% from the field, including an impressive 14-of-31 clip from downtown. The KaTropa also received 59 points from their bench.

Alaska committed 21 turnovers and also struggled from the foul stripe, making just 20 out of 35 attempts. 

Scores:

TNT (109): Rosario 26, Castro 16, Fonacier 16, De Ocampo 10, Tautuaa 9, Rosser 9, Williams 8, Reyes 6, Rosales 6, Carey 3, Pogoy 0, Tamsi 0, Golla 0

Alaska (100): Abueva 18, Manuel 16, Racal 14, Banchero 12, Dela Cruz 8, Casio 7, Exciminiano 6, Jazul 6, Mendoza 5, Cruz 3, Hontiveros 3, Pascual 2

Quarter scores: 31-22, 54-38, 77-70, 109-100 – Rappler.com